Robin Williams dead in suspected suicide

Updated 9:22 am, Tuesday, August 12, 2014

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Robin Williams at "The Crazy Ones" Press Conference at the Four Seasons Hotel on October 8, 2013 in Beverly Hills. Williams was found dead at his home in Marin County on Monday, Aug. 11, 2014. He was 63.

Robin Williams at "The Crazy Ones" Press Conference at the Four Seasons Hotel on October 8, 2013 in Beverly Hills. Williams was found dead at his home in Marin County on Monday, Aug. 11, 2014. He was 63.

Photo: Vera Anderson, Wire Photo

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A small bouquet of flowers and note were placed at the front gate at Robin Williams' former home in the Sea Cliff neighborhood in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, August 11, 2014. Williams was found dead in his Tiburon home earlier in the day and fans and friends left flowers and notes to honor the comedy and acting legend.

A small bouquet of flowers and note were placed at the front gate at Robin Williams' former home in the Sea Cliff neighborhood in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, August 11, 2014. Williams was found dead in

A flower lies atop the fence at Robin Williams' former home in the Sea Cliff neighborhood in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, August 11, 2014. Williams was found dead in his Tiburon home earlier in the day and fans and friends left flowers and notes to honor the comedy and acting legend. less

A flower lies atop the fence at Robin Williams' former home in the Sea Cliff neighborhood in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, August 11, 2014. Williams was found dead in his Tiburon home earlier in the day and ... more

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

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pay respects to comedian and actor Robin Williams outside the Mrs. Doubtfire house on August 11, 2014 in San Francisco, CA. Robin Williams was found dead this morning in his Tiburon home.

pay respects to comedian and actor Robin Williams outside the Mrs. Doubtfire house on August 11, 2014 in San Francisco, CA. Robin Williams was found dead this morning in his Tiburon home.

Photo: Craig Hudson, The Chronicle

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People stand outside the Mrs. Doubtfire house on August 11, 2014 in San Francisco, CA. Robin Williams was found dead this morning in his Tiburon home.

People stand outside the Mrs. Doubtfire house on August 11, 2014 in San Francisco, CA. Robin Williams was found dead this morning in his Tiburon home.

Photo: Craig Hudson, The Chronicle

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Robin Williams is seen in a photo shot Dec. 24, 1987. Williams was found dead at his home in Marin County on Monday, Aug. 11, 2014. He was 63.

Robin Williams is seen in a photo shot Dec. 24, 1987. Williams was found dead at his home in Marin County on Monday, Aug. 11, 2014. He was 63.

Photo: Fred Larson, The Chronicle

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ROBIN WILLIAMS THROUGH THE YEARS

Robin Williams, left, and Matt Damon appear in a scene from the movie "Good Will Hunting" in 1997.

Robin Williams, left, and Matt Damon appear in a scene from the movie "Good Will Hunting" in 1997.

Photo: George Kraychyk, AP

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ROBIN WILLIAMS THROUGH THE YEARS

Actor Robin Williams holds up his Oscar after winning in the Best Actor in a Supporting Role category during the 70th Academy Awards 23 March at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. Williams won for his role as a psychotherapist helping a troubled math genius in "Good Will Hunting." less

Actor Robin Williams holds up his Oscar after winning in the Best Actor in a Supporting Role category during the 70th Academy Awards 23 March at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. Williams won for his role ... more

Photo: Timothy A. Clary, AFP/Getty Images

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ROBIN WILLIAMS THROUGH THE YEARS

This is the first appearance of the alien Mork from Ork (Robin Wiliams, center), which earned him and Williams his own spin-off series, "Mork & Mindy". Mork came to Earth looking for someone to study and picked Richie (Ron Howard, right). Henry Winkler (Fonzie) also starred. less

This is the first appearance of the alien Mork from Ork (Robin Wiliams, center), which earned him and Williams his own spin-off series, "Mork & Mindy". Mork came to Earth looking for someone to study and picked ... more

Photo: ABC PHOTO ARCHIVES, Getty Images

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ROBIN WILLIAMS THROUGH THE YEARS

The character of Mork, an alien from the planet of Ork, became so popular from an episode of "Happy Days" that it was spun-off into this series starring Robin Williams in the lead role (his first major acting break). The misfit alien was sent to study Earthlings by his fellow Orkans. Landing in a giant eggshell, near Boulder, Colorado, he was befriended by Mindy McConnell (Pam Dawber), who helped him adjust to Earth's strange ways. less

The character of Mork, an alien from the planet of Ork, became so popular from an episode of "Happy Days" that it was spun-off into this series starring Robin Williams in the lead role (his first major acting ... more

Photo: JIM BRITT, Getty Images

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Robin Williams, September 28, 1981. Williams was found dead at his home in Marin County on Monday, Aug. 11, 2014. He was 63.

Robin Williams, September 28, 1981. Williams was found dead at his home in Marin County on Monday, Aug. 11, 2014. He was 63.

Photo: Steve Ringman, The Chronicle

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ROBIN WILLIAMS THROUGH THE YEARS

Comedian Robin Williams, who will star in "The World According to Garp," is shown, July 21, 1982, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo)

Comedian Robin Williams, who will star in "The World According to Garp," is shown, July 21, 1982, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo)

Photo: Anonymous, Wire Photo

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Robin Williams and Wife Valerie Williams during Robin Williams After "Saturday Night Live" Taping in New York City - November 11, 1978 at NBC Studios in New York City, New York, United States.

Robin Williams and Wife Valerie Williams during Robin Williams After "Saturday Night Live" Taping in New York City - November 11, 1978 at NBC Studios in New York City, New York, United States.

Photo: Ron Galella, Getty Images

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ROBIN WILLIAMS THROUGH THE YEARS

Robin Williams on Chronicle Comedy Day - July 25, 1987 at the Polo Field in Golden Gate Park. Williams was found dead at his home in Marin County on Monday, Aug. 11, 2014. He was 63.

Robin Williams on Chronicle Comedy Day - July 25, 1987 at the Polo Field in Golden Gate Park. Williams was found dead at his home in Marin County on Monday, Aug. 11, 2014. He was 63.

Photo: Deanne Fitzmaurice, The Chronicle

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Robin Williams was an aspiring comedian in 1978. Williams was found dead at his home in Marin County on Monday, Aug. 11, 2014. He was 63.

Robin Williams was an aspiring comedian in 1978. Williams was found dead at his home in Marin County on Monday, Aug. 11, 2014. He was 63.

Photo: Ho

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ROBIN WILLIAMS THROUGH THE YEARS

Robin Williams at Gary Hart Fundraiser. St. Francis Hotel. Jun 4, 1984. Williams was found dead at his home in Marin County on Monday, Aug. 11, 2014. He was 63.

Robin Williams at Gary Hart Fundraiser. St. Francis Hotel. Jun 4, 1984. Williams was found dead at his home in Marin County on Monday, Aug. 11, 2014. He was 63.

Photo: Chris Stewart, The Chronicle

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Robin Williams, at the age of 7, with his mother Laurie Williams.

Robin Williams, at the age of 7, with his mother Laurie Williams.

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ROBIN WILLIAMS THROUGH THE YEARS

Robin Williams, September 25, 1984.

Robin Williams, September 25, 1984.

Photo: Frederic Larson, The Chronicle

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ROBIN WILLIAMS THROUGH THE YEARS

Robin Williams with Will Durst (left) at Durst's campaign headquarters, after Durst lost a run for mayor. Dec. 9, 1987

Robin Williams with Will Durst (left) at Durst's campaign headquarters, after Durst lost a run for mayor. Dec. 9, 1987

Photo: Chronicle Archives

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Robin Williams, October 4, 1980

Robin Williams, October 4, 1980

Photo: Mike Maloney, The Chronicle

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Robin Williams narrates Peter and the Wolf with a youth symphony on Dec. 12, 1993.

Robin Williams narrates Peter and the Wolf with a youth symphony on Dec. 12, 1993.

Photo: Brant Ward, The Chronicle

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ROBIN WILLIAMS THROUGH THE YEARS

Robin Williams in the 1980s.

Robin Williams in the 1980s.

Photo: Frederic Larson, The Chronicle

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ROBIN WILLIAMS THROUGH THE YEARS

Robin Williams is seen in a November, 1995 file photo.

Robin Williams is seen in a November, 1995 file photo.

Photo: Chris Stewart, SFC

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Jack Nicholson, right, and Robin Williams share a laugh as they pose with their Oscars at the 70th annual Academy Awards at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, Monday, March 23, 1998. Nicholson won for his role in "As Good As It Gets" and Williams for his role in "Good Will Hunting." less

Jack Nicholson, right, and Robin Williams share a laugh as they pose with their Oscars at the 70th annual Academy Awards at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, Monday, March 23, 1998. Nicholson won for his ... more

Photo: Reed Saxon, Associated Press

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Holding their Oscar awards for acting, (L to R) Kim Basinger, Robin Williams, Helen Hunt and Jack Nicholson celebrate their success following the 70th Annual Academy Awards, March 23 in Los Angeles. Basinger won best supporting actress for her role in "L.A. Confidential," Williams won best supporting actor for "Good Will Hunting," Hunt won best actress for her role in "As Good As It Gets," and Nicholson won best actor for his role in "As Good As It Gets." less

Listening to a few speeches just before the start of the race, from left, Dylan Casey, retired olympian, actor Robin Williams, and George Hincapie, professional bike racer.
A 25-mile Breakaway from Cancer charity bike ride which started at the Marina Green on Dec. 3, 2006. less

Listening to a few speeches just before the start of the race, from left, Dylan Casey, retired olympian, actor Robin Williams, and George Hincapie, professional bike racer.
A 25-mile Breakaway from Cancer ... more

Photo: Penni Gladstone, SFC

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Robin Williams as comedian-turned-candidate Tom Dobbs in "Man of the Year," 2006.

Robin Williams as comedian-turned-candidate Tom Dobbs in "Man of the Year," 2006.

Photo: Photo Credit: Ava Gerlitz / Univ

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ROBIN WILLIAMS THROUGH THE YEARS

Awards recipients, director Spike Lee (L) and actor Robin Williams, laugh before the 50th San Francisco International Film Festival's Film Society Awards in San Francisco, California, May 3, 2007.

Awards recipients, director Spike Lee (L) and actor Robin Williams, laugh before the 50th San Francisco International Film Festival's Film Society Awards in San Francisco, California, May 3, 2007.

Photo: Dino Vournas, REUTERS

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Comedian and actor Robin Williams appears on MTV's Total Request Live, Thursday, April 27, 2006 at MTV studios in New York City. Williams was found dead at his home in Marin County on Monday, Aug. 11, 2014. He was 63. less

Comedian and actor Robin Williams appears on MTV's Total Request Live, Thursday, April 27, 2006 at MTV studios in New York City. Williams was found dead at his home in Marin County on Monday, Aug. 11, 2014. He ... more

Photo: Stephen Chernin, AP

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ROBIN WILLIAMS THROUGH THE YEARS

Comedians Robin Williams and Billy Crystal were in the Giants dugout before a game in 2007.

Comedians Robin Williams and Billy Crystal were in the Giants dugout before a game in 2007.

Comedians Robin Williams (left) and Mort Sahl (right) attend opening the opening night party of the Mill Valley Film Festival at the Outdoor Art Club in Mill Valley, California, on Thursday, October 6, 2011.

Comedians Robin Williams (left) and Mort Sahl (right) attend opening the opening night party of the Mill Valley Film Festival at the Outdoor Art Club in Mill Valley, California, on Thursday, October 6, 2011.

Photo: Liz Hafalia, The Chronicle

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ROBIN WILLIAMS THROUGH THE YEARS

Robin Williams helped out Larry Page Google's Presadent with explaning some of the computer terms at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

Robin Williams helped out Larry Page Google's Presadent with explaning some of the computer terms at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

Photo: Kurt Rogers, SFC

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ROBIN WILLIAMS THROUGH THE YEARS

Sean Penn (left) with actor Robin Williams and comedian Frank Ferrante at Teatro ZinZanni for a fundraiser in 2010.

Sean Penn (left) with actor Robin Williams and comedian Frank Ferrante at Teatro ZinZanni for a fundraiser in 2010.

Photo: Catherine Bigelow, Special To The Chronicle

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ROBIN WILLIAMS THROUGH THE YEARS

The San Francisco Film Society hosted its 50th Awards Gala at the St. Francis Hotel with Robin Williams in 2010.

The San Francisco Film Society hosted its 50th Awards Gala at the St. Francis Hotel with Robin Williams in 2010.

Photo: Pamela Gentile, Freelance

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ROBIN WILLIAMS THROUGH THE YEARS

The San Francisco Film Society hosted its 50th Awards Gala at the St. Francis Hotel in 2010.
From left: Comedian Bonnie Hunt presented the Film Award to Robin Williams.

The San Francisco Film Society hosted its 50th Awards Gala at the St. Francis Hotel in 2010.
From left: Comedian Bonnie Hunt presented the Film Award to Robin Williams.

Photo: Drew Altizer, Freelance

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In this file photo from Thursday, Oct. 7, 2010, actor Robin Williams hugs San Francisco Giants mascot Lou Seal during the first inning of Game 1 of baseball's National League Division Series in San Francisco.

In this file photo from Thursday, Oct. 7, 2010, actor Robin Williams hugs San Francisco Giants mascot Lou Seal during the first inning of Game 1 of baseball's National League Division Series in San Francisco.

Photo: Ben Margot, Wire Photo

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ROBIN WILLIAMS THROUGH THE YEARS

Robin Williams and Tony Bennett pose backstage at the hit play "Bengal Tiger At The Baghdad Zoo" on Broadway at The Richard Rogers Theater on May 4, 2011 in New York City.

Robin Williams and Tony Bennett pose backstage at the hit play "Bengal Tiger At The Baghdad Zoo" on Broadway at The Richard Rogers Theater on May 4, 2011 in New York City.

Photo: Bruce Glikas, Getty Images

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ROBIN WILLIAMS THROUGH THE YEARS

Robin Williams, with his daughter, Zelda Williams, right, and third wife Susan Schneider arrive at the premiere of "Happy Feet Two" at Grauman's Chinese Theater in 2011.

Robin Williams, with his daughter, Zelda Williams, right, and third wife Susan Schneider arrive at the premiere of "Happy Feet Two" at Grauman's Chinese Theater in 2011.

Photo: Katy Winn, Wire Photo

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A woman, who did not want to be identified, stands with her pet dog in front of the home of Robin Williams in Tiburon, Calif. on Monday, August 11, 2014.

A woman, who did not want to be identified, stands with her pet dog in front of the home of Robin Williams in Tiburon, Calif. on Monday, August 11, 2014.

Photo: Scott Strazzante, The Chronicle

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Two area residents stand near the home of Robin Williams in Tiburon, Calif. on Monday, August 11, 2014.

Two area residents stand near the home of Robin Williams in Tiburon, Calif. on Monday, August 11, 2014.

Photo: Scott Strazzante, The Chronicle

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Bouquets of flowers lean against the wall at Robin Williams' former home in the Sea Cliff neighborhood in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, August 11, 2014. Williams was found dead in his Tiburon home earlier in the day and fans and friends left flowers and notes to honor the comedy and acting legend. less

Bouquets of flowers lean against the wall at Robin Williams' former home in the Sea Cliff neighborhood in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, August 11, 2014. Williams was found dead in his Tiburon home earlier ... more

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

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L-R, Brian Duncan, Alexis Cooney, and Nick Cooney, embrace after bringing flowers to Robin Williams' former home in the Sea Cliff neighborhood in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, August 11, 2014. Williams was found dead in his Tiburon home earlier in the day and fans and friends left flowers and notes to honor the comedy and acting legend. less

L-R, Brian Duncan, Alexis Cooney, and Nick Cooney, embrace after bringing flowers to Robin Williams' former home in the Sea Cliff neighborhood in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, August 11, 2014. Williams was ... more

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

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L-R, Nick Cooney, Alexis Cooney, and Brian Duncan embrace after bringing flowers to Robin Williams' former home in the Sea Cliff neighborhood in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, August 11, 2014. Williams was found dead in his Tiburon home earlier in the day and fans and friends left flowers and notes to honor the comedy and acting legend. less

L-R, Nick Cooney, Alexis Cooney, and Brian Duncan embrace after bringing flowers to Robin Williams' former home in the Sea Cliff neighborhood in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, August 11, 2014. Williams was ... more

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

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A card on a bouquet of flowers quotes "Dead Poets Society," at Robin Williams' former home in the Sea Cliff neighborhood in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, August 11, 2014. Williams was found dead in his Tiburon home earlier in the day and fans and friends left flowers and notes to honor the comedy and acting legend. less

A card on a bouquet of flowers quotes "Dead Poets Society," at Robin Williams' former home in the Sea Cliff neighborhood in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, August 11, 2014. Williams was found dead in his ... more

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

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Alexis Cooney holds back tears as she and her brother, Nick Cooney, bring flowers to the Academy Award winner's former home in the Sea Cliff neighborhood of San Francisco.

Alexis Cooney holds back tears as she and her brother, Nick Cooney, bring flowers to the Academy Award winner's former home in the Sea Cliff neighborhood of San Francisco.

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

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Debbie Maina from Jacksonville, Florida, leaves a bouquet of flowers at Robin Williams' former home in the Sea Cliff neighborhood in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, August 11, 2014. Williams was found dead in his Tiburon home earlier in the day and fans and friends left flowers and notes to honor the comedy and acting legend. less

Debbie Maina from Jacksonville, Florida, leaves a bouquet of flowers at Robin Williams' former home in the Sea Cliff neighborhood in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, August 11, 2014. Williams was found dead in ... more

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

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Flowers and candles line the steps of the Pacific Heights house where Williams' hit comedy "Mrs. Doubtfire" was filmed.

Flowers and candles line the steps of the Pacific Heights house where Williams' hit comedy "Mrs. Doubtfire" was filmed.

Photo: Craig Hudson, The Chronicle

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Mourners pay respects to Robin Williams outside the house where he made "Mrs. Doubtfire" in San Francisco's Pacific Heights.

Mourners pay respects to Robin Williams outside the house where he made "Mrs. Doubtfire" in San Francisco's Pacific Heights.

Photo: Craig Hudson, The Chronicle

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A heart-shaped note and several bouquets of flowers lay in front of the home of Robin Williams in Tiburon, Calif. on Monday, August 11, 2014.

A heart-shaped note and several bouquets of flowers lay in front of the home of Robin Williams in Tiburon, Calif. on Monday, August 11, 2014.

Photo: Scott Strazzante, The Chronicle

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AJ Polis leaves a flower alongside a placard and a photo of the late actor Robin Williams as Mork from Ork, as people pay their respects at the home where the 80's TV series "Mork & Mindy",was set, in Boulder, Colo., Monday Aug. 11, 2014. Williams, the Academy Award winner and comic supernova whose explosions of pop culture riffs and impressions dazzled audiences for decades and made him a gleamy-eyed laureate for the Information Age, died Monday in an apparent suicide. He was 63. less

AJ Polis leaves a flower alongside a placard and a photo of the late actor Robin Williams as Mork from Ork, as people pay their respects at the home where the 80's TV series "Mork & Mindy",was set, in ... more

Photo: Brennan Linsley, Associated Press

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Neighbor Mikayla Cook, 12, lays a bouquet of flowers at the home of Robin Williams in Tiburon, Calif. on Monday, August 11, 2014.

Neighbor Mikayla Cook, 12, lays a bouquet of flowers at the home of Robin Williams in Tiburon, Calif. on Monday, August 11, 2014.

Photo: Scott Strazzante, The Chronicle

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Neighbor Darienne Colbert arrives at the home of Robin Williams to lay a bouquet of flowers in Tiburon, Calif. on Monday, August 11, 2014.

Neighbor Darienne Colbert arrives at the home of Robin Williams to lay a bouquet of flowers in Tiburon, Calif. on Monday, August 11, 2014.

Photo: Scott Strazzante, The Chronicle

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Jordan Ansell pays respects to comedian and actor Robin Williams outside the Mrs. Doubtfire house on August 11, 2014 in San Francisco, CA. Robin Williams was found dead this morning in his Tiburon home.

Jordan Ansell pays respects to comedian and actor Robin Williams outside the Mrs. Doubtfire house on August 11, 2014 in San Francisco, CA. Robin Williams was found dead this morning in his Tiburon home.

Photo: Craig Hudson, The Chronicle

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Flowers and letters line the steps of the Mrs. Doubtfire house on August 11, 2014 in San Francisco, CA. Robin Williams was found dead this morning in his Tiburon home.

Flowers and letters line the steps of the Mrs. Doubtfire house on August 11, 2014 in San Francisco, CA. Robin Williams was found dead this morning in his Tiburon home.

Photo: Craig Hudson, The Chronicle

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A small bouquet of flowers and note were placed at the front gate at Robin Williams' former home in the Sea Cliff neighborhood in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, August 11, 2014. Williams was found dead in his Tiburon home earlier in the day and fans and friends left flowers and notes to honor the comedy and acting legend. less

A small bouquet of flowers and note were placed at the front gate at Robin Williams' former home in the Sea Cliff neighborhood in San Francisco, Calif., on Monday, August 11, 2014. Williams was found dead in ... more

Photo: Carlos Avila Gonzalez, The Chronicle

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Robin Williams dead in suspected suicide

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Robin Williams, the manic genius of comedy who rose from small clubs in San Francisco to become a worldwide television and film star, was found dead of an apparent suicide in his Tiburon home Monday, authorities said. He was 63.

Williams was found in the home by family members, who called for help. Marin County sheriff's deputies and local firefighters were dispatched to the home at 11:55 a.m., officials said, and Williams was declared dead at 12:02 p.m. He had last been seen alive late Sunday night.

"Mr. Williams was located this morning shortly before the 911 call was placed to Marin County communications," sheriff's officials said in a statement Monday. "At this time, the Sheriff's Office Coroner Division suspects the death to be a suicide due to asphyxia, but a comprehensive investigation must be completed before a final determination is made."

Williams had recently battled severe depression, said Mara Buxbaum, his press agent. The performer fought cocaine and alcohol addiction but had spoken little about mental illness. In 2002, he admitted during an interview with the New York Times to occasionally feeling depressed.

"There's a lot that happens in the world to make you depressed," he said. "My mother died. Did that make me depressed? Yes. I am also manic when I am onstage. Does that make me manic-depressive? No. But people might not believe me."

Battling addictions

This summer, Williams admitted himself into the Hazelden rehab center in Minnesota to "fine-tune" his sobriety, according to representatives. In 1988, he told People magazine that he had had used cocaine "to hide" but had quit when his first wife, Valerie Velardi, became pregnant with their son, Zachary.

"This morning, I lost my husband and my best friend, while the world lost one of its most beloved artists and beautiful human beings," Williams' current wife, Susan Schneider, wrote in a statement.

"I am utterly heartbroken," she said. "On behalf of Robin's family, we are asking for privacy during our time of profound grief. As he is remembered, it is our hope the focus will not be on Robin's death, but on the countless moments of joy and laughter he gave to millions."

The news of Williams' death shocked the nation and the world, with fans flocking to his Tiburon home, his former home in the Sea Cliff neighborhood of San Francisco and the Pacific Heights house where "Mrs. Doubtfire" was filmed to leave flowers and messages.

President Obama, in a statement, said Williams was "an airman, a doctor, a genie, a nanny, a president, a professor, a bangarang Peter Pan, and everything in between. But he was one of a kind. He arrived in our lives as an alien - but he ended up touching every element of the human spirit."

San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee said Williams' death was a "profound loss" for the city.

"Despite his success, he has never forgotten San Francisco," Lee wrote. "He was a philanthropist who gave generously, and he was a friend of the city."

'He never complained'

Comedian Debi Durst, who first met Williams in 1978, said she last saw him two weeks ago at a friend's barbecue.

"He seemed OK. He was quiet. He was quiet when he was with friends. If he knew you, he was just a guy," she said.

"In public," she added, "it was very difficult for him to be able to go someplace and be himself. Even if another comedian walked over, he was always expected to have the funny line. ... It had to be difficult to have the eye of the world on you constantly. But he never complained."

Born in Chicago, Williams grew up in Bloomfield Hills, Mich. His family moved to Woodacre, in Marin County, when he was an adolescent, and he went to Redwood High School, where he overcame his shyness in the drama department. He studied theater at the College of Marin before he was accepted to Juilliard, graduating in 1976.

Williams worked briefly at Sausalito's famous Trident Restaurant, according to a former employee, who said Williams once streaked naked through the restaurant on a dare and jumped into the bay.

He got his start as a comedian at Holy City Zoo in San Francisco. He first played the alien known as Mork from Ork in the television series "Happy Days." It was that stint that led to his starring role on the series "Mork & Mindy."

The death of Williams hit Bay Area residents hard. His rapid-fire delivery and mirthful face were so familiar that people felt they knew him, and many people had bumped into him as he ate at restaurants in San Francisco and Marin County or pedaled around Tiburon on his racing bike. He often made impromptu appearances at local comedy clubs.

Dozens of neighbors and well-wishers stood outside the Tiburon home late Monday, many in disbelief.

"I still don't believe it's real," said Megan Thorpe, a 25-year-old Novato resident who used to nanny for a neighbor down the street. "But we're here. It has to be."

Thorpe, like several others, brought flowers to lay at Williams' front fence.

'He was very San Francisco'

Fans also gathered at the large tile-roofed home in San Francisco's Sea Cliff neighborhood where Williams used to live and left bouquets of flowers, balloons and notes. One said, "You are my idol."

Jason Wertheimer, a 39-year-old Presidio resident, said Williams had come outside to help him and a friend fix a bicycle after it broke down in front of the actor's house about 10 years ago.

"He just wanted to help. He seemed excited to help," Wertheimer said. "I felt like I had to come here and be reminded of that time I met him. He was very San Francisco and I love this city, and I felt like I wanted to remember that moment when I met him."

Jonathan Logan, a 39-year-old Mission District resident, said he saw Williams a few months ago in San Francisco. The two locked eyes for a moment.

"I thought to myself, 'Now Robin Williams knows I exist.' " Logan said. "I was humbled and flattered. I feel particularly horrible for his wife. This great man had such a fragile existence, and now he's gone."

The actor's death reminded Carol Emerich, a 64-year-old retired teacher from the South Bay, that depression can lurk under the surface for a long time and go unnoticed.

"You look at them and think they have everything," she said. "Many people who you'd never imagine are depressed or suicidal end up killing themselves."

Comedic, dramatic roles

Williams had a gift for improvisation and physicality. But as his career developed, he also took on both comedic and serious roles in movies and onstage.

His most celebrated film roles included a wartime disc jockey in "Good Morning, Vietnam" and a prep school English teacher in "Dead Poets Society." In "Mrs. Doubtfire," he played a father who disguises himself as a nanny to spend time with his children after a bitter divorce.

For his role as a therapist in "Good Will Hunting," he won the Academy Award for best supporting actor. He was also widely acclaimed for his voice work in animated movies, including his turn as a genie in "Aladdin."

Along with his wife, he is survived by brother McLaurin Smith Williams; sister-in-law Frankie Williams; children Zachary Williams, Zelda Williams and Cody Williams; and stepsons Casey and Peter Armusewicz.

Timeline of Robin Williams' career

1976

Williams is a finalist in the First International Open Stand Up Comedy Competition, held at Joe Nobriga's Showcase, a nightclub in San Francisco.

1977

Appears in episode of the remake of NBC's "Laugh In."

1978

First appears as Mork in an episode of "Happy Days."

1979

Nominated for a prime-time Emmy for lead actor in a comedy series for "Mork & Mindy."

1986

Co-hosts the Academy Awards.

1988

Nominated for the best actor Oscar for "Good Morning, Vietnam."

1989

Honored with the Man of the Year award by the Hasty

Pudding Theatricals at Harvard University.

1990

Nominated for best actor Oscar for "Dead Poets

Society."

1992

Nominated for best actor Oscar for "The Fisher King."

1998

Wins the best supporting actor Oscar for "Good Will Hunting."

2005

Receives the Cecil B. DeMille Award for career achievement from the Hollywood Foreign Press Association.

2006

Seeks treatment for alcohol dependency.

2007

Receives the Peter J. Owens Award from the San Francisco Film Society.

2009

Has surgery to replace an aortic valve.

2013

Begins a new television series, "The Crazy Ones," his first starring TV role since "Mork & Mindy" three decades earlier.